Abstract Himachal Pradesh is one of the most species-rich regions in the world and a key center for the origin and diversity of numerous plant species. Ethnobotanical research is essential for exploring these diverse biological resources for medicinal uses. This study aimed to record the traditional knowledge of the tribal communities in Himachal Pradesh concerning the use of medicinal plants for treating diseases in humans and livestock. Despite this richness, there is a lack of detailed documentation about the use of therapeutic plants in this area. The indigenous communities in this region rely on traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, making it a valuable resource for further pharmacological and phytochemical research. The ethnobotanical surveys were conducted from August 2022 to July 2023, and our fieldwork took place in four districts (Kullu (1279 m), Mandi (760 m), Hamirpur (780 m) and Kangra (1200–1300 m) under various villages. The ethnobiological data was gathered through field surveys, open interviews, discussions, and semi-structured questionnaires conducted with 193 tribal participants aged 40 to 80 years. Informants were chosen using the randomized household interview and snowball sampling methods. The study documented 64 plants from 39 families, among which 58 species are angiosperms, 5 species are pteridophytes and one species is bryophyte utilized for therapeutic purposes. Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Ranunculaceae were the most used medicinal herb families. Rubus ellipticus (0.75) and Trillium govanianum (0.74) demonstrated the highest UV (Use value) values. The ICF (Informant Consensus factor) value revealed that nervous system disorders-related ailments were the most treated. This study explored the ethnobiological information of therapeutic flora from riparian vegetation within tribal communities while also assessing the present state of research and the practical application of their medicinal information. It underscores the potential for additional research to delve deeper into the indigenous properties of their therapeutic floras and emphasizes the importance of preserving their traditional medicinal wisdom.
Background A systematic review and meta-analysis have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of alkalinization for COVID-19 patients based on current evidence to determine the impact of alkalinization on COVID-19 outcomes. Methods We searched MEDLINE (Pubmed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov for studies evaluating the efficacy of alkalinization up to 30 April 2023. Based on the PRISMA 2020 statement criteria a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies were performed. Results The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in mortality rate in the alkalinization group compared to controls (RR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.95; I2 = 0%). However, our subgroup analysis showed no significant improvement in RCT-only studies (RR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.59-1.05; I2 = 0%), the recovery rate was significantly higher in the alkalinization group (RR 2.13, 95% CI: 1.39-3.26; I2 = 0%), duration of recovery also has improved in alkalinization group (SMD 0.76, 95% CI: 0.33-1.18; I2 = 0%). The results of our meta-analysis showed a significant reduction in the duration of hospitalization in the alkalinization group compared to controls with very low certainty of evidence (SMD −0.66, 95% CI: −0.97 to −0.35; I2 = 36%). Conclusion With low certainty of evidence, alkalinization (by sodium bicarbonate) can be an efficient and safe adjuvant treatment for COVID-19 patients. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to strengthen the available evidence.
In recent years, the introduction of online assessments has completely revolutionized the field of medical education. In fact, online assessments offer multiple advantages to the administrators, the educators, and the students. However, considering the limited resources and being not aware of the thought process and competency level of faculty members in the medical college, it is ideal to perform a thorough need assessment. To enhance the competencies of medical teachers, we propose a hands-on workshop to enhance the knowledge and skills of faculty members in designing, developing, and administering effective online assessments in the field of medical education, along with the evaluation plan using the Kirkpatrick Model. In addition, the workshop will empower faculty members with strategies and tools for preventing cheating and ensuring the integrity of online assessments. In conclusion, online assessments have become an integral part of medical education, offering numerous benefits for both educators and students alike. We have proposed a comprehensive two half-day workshop on “Online assessments and proctoring-Secure Assessment and Facilitation of Exams,” with the help of a variety of teaching-learning methods, and multiple measures to promote their active engagement and hands-on activities. We anticipate that this program will be successful in meeting the needs of the target audience and improving their competence levels to eventually ensure that online assessments can be institutionalized.
Paul Nyalo Msc, George Omwenga PhD, Mathew Ngugi PhD
Overproduction of free radicals in excess of antioxidants leads to oxidative stress which can cause harm to the body. Conventional antioxidants have drawbacks and are believed to be carcinogenic. The present study seeked to confirm folklore use and validate the antioxidant potentials of Grewia tembensis and Xerophyta spekei which have been widely used in the Mbeere community as medicinal plants. Antioxidant properties were determined through scavenging effects of diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide radicals as well as iron chelating effects. The data obtained was assayed in comparison to the standards (Ascorbic acid and EDTA). Ascorbic acid had a significantly greater DPPH radical scavenging property with an inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) value of 20.54 ± 2.24 µg/mL in comparison to the plant extracts, which had IC 50 values of 33.00 ± 1.47 µg/mL, 69.66 ± 1.01 µg/mL and 86.88 ± 2.64 µg/mL for X. spekei, G. tembensis leaf and G. tembensis stem bark extracts, respectively. EDTA demonstrated a significantly greater iron chelating effect having a significantly lesser IC 50 value of 25.05 ± 0.79 µg/mL as opposed to 43.56 ± 0.46 µg/mL, 89.78 ± 0.55 µg/mL, and 120.70 ± 0.71 µg/mL for X. spekei, G. tembensis leaf, and G. tembensis stem bark extracts respectively. Additionally, ascorbic acid also exhibited stronger hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging effect than the studied extracts. Generally, X. spekei extract had higher antioxidant activities as compared to both the leaf and stem bark extracts of G. tembensis . The phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of secondary metabolites associated with antioxidant properties. The present study therefore, recommends ethno medicinal and therapeutic use of G. tembensis and X. spekei in the treatment and management of oxidative stress related infections.
Mohamed Bekhouche, Roukia Benyammi, Majda Khelifi Slaoui
et al.
Abstract Background In humans, various diseases are associated with the accumulation of free radicals. The antioxidants can scavenge free radicals and reduce their impact; thus, the search for effective natural antioxidants of plant origin is indispensable. The present study aims to determine, for the first time, the flavonoid compounds profile and to investigate the free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Taxus baccata L. from Algeria. Methods The determination of the flavonoid compound profile of the methanolic extract of Taxus baccata L. was established using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection coupled to electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS). The total flavonoid content (TFC) was performed according to the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, while the free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities were carried out using three methods, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, 2,2'-azino-bis3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) Assay. Results A total of 26 compounds including flavon-3-ols, flavanonols, flavones, flavonols and bioflavonoids were characterized and identifiedusing HPLC–DAD–ESI–MS/MS analysis, five were reported for the first time such as taxifolin, apigenin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside and robustaflavone. The plant extract exhibited high total flavonoid content (TFC = 204.26 ± 6.02 mg RE/g dry extract) which corresponded to its strong radical scavenging activities [(DPPH IC50 = 35.31 ± 0.29 µg/ml and ABTS IC50 = 8.27 ± 0.52 µg/ml)] as compared to the synthetic antioxidant BHT [(DPPH IC50 = 78.96 ± 5.70 µg/ml and ABTS IC50 = 13.56 ± 0.06 µg/ml)]. However, the methanolic extract of T. baccata showed the lowest ferric reducing ability as compared to the positive controls (BHT, BHA, ascorbic acid, trolox and quercetin). Conclusion Our results imply that the Taxus Baccata L. might be a potential source for the isolation of natural antioxidant compounds.
Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy of the female reproductive system affecting over half a million and causing over 300,000 deaths each year. Although conventional treatment offers a wide variety of preventive and therapeutic measures, they seem to have unfavourable effect especially on further reproductive outcomes in the longer run.
Case report: In this study, we present the case of 33-year-old woman diagnosed with low to high grade squamous cervical intraepithelial neoplasia with high-risk human papillomavirus infection that benefited with individualised homeopathy. The outcomes were resolution of the pre-malignant condition and the HPV infection, preventing the use of invasive procedures that were otherwise deemed necessary.
Conclusions: This case report indicates the need to scientifically investigate the relevance of individualised homeopathy in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Kojičić Ksenija, Arsenijević Aleksandar, Marković Marija
et al.
Background/Aim. Cyclamen hederifolium (C. hederifolium) Ait. belongs to the family Primulaceae, which includes 23 species of cyclamen, naturally distributed in the Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia and some parts of North Africa. This plant is considered highly poisonous and not suitable for human use. However, tuber extracts have been used in traditional medicine and homeopathy. The aim of this study was to investigate C. hederifolium growing naturally in Serbia for its metal content and biological activities (anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and cytotoxic activity). Methods. Content of metals was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. We used several different assays for assessment of antioxidant activity of both aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. hederifolium: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, total reducing power assay (TRP) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay. The disk diffusion assay was used to investigate sensitivity of laboratory bacterial and fungal control strains against investigated extracts. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of C. hederifolium were examined on 4 different tumoral cell lines by in vitro MTT bioassay. Results. The presence of Mn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, K, Cu was confirmed in aqueous and ethanol extract, as well as in whole tubers and soil, while Cr, Ni, Pb and Cd were not detected. Both aqueous and ethanol extract of C. hederifolium tubers showed antioxidant activity, that positively correlated to content of phenols and flavonoids in it. Aqueous extract was slightly superior in these terms than ethanol one. None of the tested extracts showed antimicrobial activity. Both investigated extracts showed cytotoxicity against four cancer cell lines 4T1, HCT116, CT26, LLC1, in the concentration range 15,625–2,000 μg/mL. Ethanol extract showed stronger cytotoxicity than aqueous ex-tract. Conclusion. Seven metals were identified in the C. hederifolium tubers, extracts and soil. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant and cytotoxic activity.
<h4>Background</h4>Workforce studies about traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) occupations in industrialized countries are scant; and, these occupations' position within the broader occupational workforce remains unclear. This study aims to address these gaps using a comparative approach.<h4>Methods</h4>Naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) / acupuncture practitioners, and homeopaths in Ontario, Canada were surveyed regarding their demographics, practice characteristics and self-reported income. Results were compared with parallel data from within and outside of Ontario.<h4>Results</h4>Study response rate: 23.3% (n = 1205). While predominantly female (57.9%), Ontario's TCM/acupuncture profession was less feminized than the naturopathic (77.1%) and homeopathic (78.3%) groups. Naturopaths were significantly younger than, and reported fewer years of clinical experience than, the other two groups. About half of TCM/acupuncture practitioners, and almost one-third of homeopaths had trained outside of Canada, predominantly in East and South Asia, respectively. More TCM/acupuncture practitioners (58.9%) and homeopaths (57.6%) had multilingual clinical practices than naturopaths (19.1%). Homeopaths worked fewer hours and saw fewer patients per week than the other occupations. Self-reported mean incomes varied across groups, with naturopaths earning more on average ($63,834, SD $57,101) than did TCM/acupuncture practitioners ($45,624, SD $44,081) or homeopaths ($29,230, SD $41,645). Holding other variables constant, internationally-trained practitioners reported earning one-third less than their Canadian-trained counterparts.<h4>Discussion & conclusions</h4>Study findings echo occupationally-specific data from other industrialized jurisdictions; and, affirm that different T&CM occupations have distinctive demographic and practice characteristics. The demographic makeup of Ontario's TCM/acupuncture and homeopathy occupations suggests a role for these groups in delivering culturally-responsive care within Asian ethnic communities. T&CM practitioner incomes, in particular for internationally-trained practitioners, fell below the provincial population income median, and in many cases below the poverty line. T&CM occupations' relative socio-political marginality may be impacting clinicians' ability to earn a viable living.
Mohammad Mustakim Billah, Ayreen Sonia Chowdhury, Kashfia Nawrin
et al.
Abstract Background Dicranopteris linearis L. is among the popular tribal plants used for various ailments, although many of its pharmacological potentials have not been investigated yet. The neuropharmacological potentials of the leaf, including sedative-anxiolytic potential, were previously studied however, the antidepressant activity was yet to be examined. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate the serotonergic, noradrenergic and opioidergic response of D. linearis leaf extracts. Methods The plant leaf was extracted in three solvents- water (DLAQ), ethanol (DLET) and ethyl acetate (DLEA) and applied each in 200 and 400 mg.kg− 1 per body weight of Swiss Albino mice. Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST) were conducted to evaluate antidepressant potential. In FST, latency and duration of immobility, swimming and climbing time were recorded. In TST, immobility, swinging, curling and pedaling were observed. Alongside, preliminary screening through acute toxicity study and pentobarbitone induced sleep test were performed. Results Both in FST and TST, the duration of immobility was reduced by the standard imipramine and DLET 200 and 400. In FST, DLEA 200 and 400 increased the climbing time suggesting noradrenergic mechanism of action and decreased the swimming time suggesting deficit of serotoninergic mechanism of action. Interestingly, DLET increased both the parameters presenting a dual action. However, in TST, DLEA decreased immobility but increased swinging and curling response which indicated its opioidergic mechanism. On the other hand, DLET proved to mediate through serotonin and/or NA reuptake mechanism by having decreased curling time. Conclusion Among the three extracts, the ethanol extract proved to be more potent. DLET mimicked the standard imipramine in all parameters except for the curling behavior. The result thus suggests D. linearis as a potent antidepressant agent however, recommends its medicinal use after further investigation to identify bioactive compounds.
Reyhane Javanshir, Moones Honarmand, Mehran Hosseini
et al.
Abstract Background Nowadays, the green synthesis of AuNPs in the presence of plants has been attracted a lot of attention. Herein, in vivo antidiabetic activity of AuNPs synthesized using Ziziphus jujuba in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats has been evaluated. Methods Formation of AuNPs was confirmed by UV-vis, HR-TEM and XRD. Different doses of jujube gold nanoparticles (0.5 and 1 mg/kg) were used to treat streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in different groups. At the end of experiment (21 days), serum level of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, Body weight, HOMA-IR, vitamin D, ALT, AST, urea, creatinine, lipid profile, prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) and liver oxidative stress markers were determined. Results results showed a significant decrease in the level of liver MDA (P = 0.001), fasting blood glucose (P = 0.0001), HOMA-IR (P = 0.0001), ALT (P = 0.0001), AST (P = 0.0001), urea (P = 0.02), Triglycerides (P = 0.002), Total cholesterol (P = 0.0001), PAB (P = 0.0001) and AIP (P = 0.001) and in contrast a significant increase total antioxidant capacity (P = 0.02), insulin (P = 0.03), Body weight (P = 0.0001) and vitamin D (P = 0.0001) in the AuNPs-treated diabetic group compared to the diabetic rats. No significant change was observed in the total thiol group (P = 0.18), LDL-C (P = 0.43), creatinine (P = 0.09) and HDL-C (P = 0.71) level in diabetic rats treated with AuNPs compared to diabetic rats. Conclusion The results of this study proves that green AuNPs exerted promising antidiabetic and anti-oxidant properties.
Ebenezer I. O. Ajayi, Olorunfemi R. Molehin, Omotade I. Oloyede
et al.
Abstract Background Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which occurs in people who are not alcohol drinkers, describes some of the pathogenic conditions that may be in the least characterized by simple steatosis or can be as serious as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Its mechanistic pathogenesis has been said to arise from insulin resistance and oxidative stress, which may be compounded by obesity. An experimental model showing, systemic insulin resistance, obesity and accumulated hepatic fatty acids was created in adult male rats using high-fat diet manipulation and surgical removal of the left kidney (uninephrectomy). This study sought to identify the impact of these multiple burdens on the liver mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening, and the possible in vitro effects of the extracts of Clerodendrum volubile and Manihot esculenta leaves on the membrane permeabilization. Results The results indicated that the methanolic extract of Clerodendrum volubile leaf inhibited mitochondrial membrane pore opening in the insulin resistance condition or when it is followed by uni-nephrectomy, while the ethanolic extract of Manihot esculenta leaf does the same in the insulin resistance condition both prior to and following uni-nephrectomy. Conclusion Since the vegetable extracts were able to abrogate mitochondrial pore opening at low concentrations, the structural integrity of the mitochondria can possibly be restored over time if treated by the vegetable extracts. Research efforts should, therefore, be made to harness the drugability of the bioactives of these vegetables for use in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease arising from insulin resistance and renal failure.
Abstract Hypoglycemic effect of methanol extract of leaf of Fimbristylis miliacea was examined in mice model. Standard drug glibenclamide reduced fasting blood glucose concentration by 46.69% after 3 h while extract at 400 mg/kg showed 36.92% reduction after same time span. Therefore, it can be concluded that the plant extract is expected to contain phytoconstituent(s) with potential hypoglycemic effect in dextrose-induced hyperglycemic mouse model.
Christine Tara Peterson PhD, Sarah M. Bauer BS, Deepak Chopra MD
et al.
Stress-induced disorders such as anxiety represent the leading causes of adult disability worldwide. Previous studies indicate that yoga and other contemplative practices such as pranayama , or controlled yogic breathing techniques, may be effective in the treatment of mood disorders and stress. In this study, 142 individuals (mean age = 43 years; SD = 13.90) participated in a 3-day retreat program during which they learned Shambhavi Mahamudra kriya , which is a yogic practice that includes both deep breathing and meditation techniques. Participants were instructed to practice the kriya each day for 21 minutes. After 6 weeks of daily practice, participants reported subjectively lower levels of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and higher levels of general well-being (General Well-Being Scale) compared to baseline. These results support the notion that Shambhavi Mahamudra kriya may represent a natural treatment for stress reduction.
Kaempferia parviflora (Krachaidum) is a medicinal plant in the family Zingiberaceae. Its rhizome has been used as folk medicine for many centuries. A number of pharmacological studies of Krachaidum had claimed benefits for various ailments. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically search and summarize the clinical evidences of Krachaidum in all identified indications. Of 683 records identified, 7 studies were included. From current clinical trials, Krachaidum showed positive benefits but remained inconclusive since small studies were included. Even though results found that Krachaidum significantly increased hand grip strength and enhanced sexual erotic stimuli, these were based on only 2 studies and 1 study, respectively. With regard to harmful effects, we found no adverse events reported even when Krachaidum 1.35 g/day was used. Therefore, future studies of Krachaidum are needed with regards to both safety and efficacy outcomes.
Luís Carlos Matos MTCM, Sara Cristina Santos MEng, Joel G. Anderson PhD, CHTP
et al.
The main goal of this work was the assessment of measurable interactions induced by focused intention, frequently used in biofield practices such as Healing Touch and Reiki . Water, as the main component of the human body, was chosen as a model. Intention experiments were performed over 4 different days at a scheduled interval, during which 286 trained biofield practitioners from several countries were instructed to meditate with the intention to change the molecular vibrational state of water samples selected by a blinded operator. The experimental protocol was randomized, blinded, and controlled; the measured variables included Raman spectra and the pH and electrical conductance of the water, as well as the magnetic field and UV-VIS (ultraviolet-visible) radiation near the experimental spot. Although a direct causal relationship cannot be established, some measurements of the water samples, as well as the magnetic field and radiation near the experimental spot, were responsive during the experimental period.
Background: The paternal postpartum period is a tremendous transitional time for first-time fathers and so, their unique experiences should be considered. Aim: To explore new fathers′ experiences during the child′s first year and the factors associated with their experiences. Setting and Design: A descriptive exploratory research conducted among n = 149 new fathers working in private companies in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India recruited by purposive sampling during their first year of paternal postpartum period. Materials and Methods: An individual interview using a four-point structured rating scale consisting of 50 items measuring their experiences during the first year of paternal postpartum period was used to collect data. Statistical Analysis: All statistical analyses were performed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 version. An alpha less than 0.05 was considered to be significant in all analyses. Results: The results revealed that the vast majority of the first-time fathers (61.34%) had positive postpartum experiences as compared to 38.66% who reported negative fatherhood experiences. The key concepts related to their experiences were emotional upheaval, changes in lifestyle, pleasant and rejuvenating fatherhood experiences, relationship difficulties with partners, parents, friends, lack of intimacy with spouse, feelings of social isolation, lack of leisure activities and hobbies, difficulties in balancing career and family, ongoing physical problems, and financial constraints. There was no association of their postpartum paternal experiences with sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the need for realigning health services that have traditionally focused on mothers and children to father friendly services that respect fathers′ strengths, experiences, knowledge, relationship, empowerment, and well-being to promote lasting benefits for fathers and their families.
Sanket K Mahajan, Sandhya S Kulkarni, Daanish A Chhapra
Escherichia coli, as the predominant pathogen in pyogenic liver abscess, resulting from underlying ascending hepatobiliary disease is well recognized. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common pathogen responsible for diverse nosocomial and community-acquired infections, and is the third most common pathogen (10%) found in cases of nosocomial bacteremia, after Escherichia coli (20%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.5%). Klebsiella pneumoniae has emerged as a major cause of primary or cryptogenic liver abscess with the recognition of the Cryptogenic Invasive Klebsiella Pneumoniae Liver Abscess Syndrome (CIKPLA). The syndrome appears to target populations of Asian descent with underlying disorders reflecting an impaired immunity, and is associated with the K1 hyper viscous serotype of this organism. We report a case of the CIKPLA syndrome, thus highlighting its continued evolution.
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is classified as a muscle strain that presents with tenderness and stiffness one to two days after exercise. At present there are multiple proposed methods for treating DOMS, including anti-inflammatory medication, stretching, homeopathy, L-carnitine, rest and light exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigation of the effects of omega-3 intake on delayed onset muscle soreness in non-athlete men. 20 healthy subjects (age: 20.5±1.8 years) participated as subjects in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (experimental and control). In the experimental group, subjects consume daily 2000 mg of omega-3; 2 times per day for 1 month before and 48 hours after perform leg press exercise with eccentric pattern. Similarly, the was taking in the control group. The results showed significant decrease in severity of DOMS (CK and LDH levels and decreased knee's range of motion) in experimental group in comparison with control group (p<0.05). As a result of our study it is suggested that the use of omega-3 supplement can effectively reduce DOMS caused by eccentric exercise.